Resources
Drug Testing pre-employment drug screening

Marijuana Legalization: How does it affect your workplace

You, as the employer, have the right to hire whom you choose in each position. However, state and federal law are making these decisions increasingly complicated when it comes to medical marijuana users. Here in Texas, employers still have the right to not employ a person due to drug use of any kind, including marijuana, and not to continue to employ a person due to drug use. However, based on judicial decisions in other states, that may be changing. How can employers create a workplace policy that increases safety and productivity while reducing liability?

Employers must consider which positions necessitate perfect clarity in operation every time the employee is working—for those positions, a drug-free policy is required and federally supported. Pilots are required to pass flight physicals annually, and their medications are set by the physician and monitored. Positions in which heavy equipment is operated are no less vital, and employers cannot to have their employees impaired. Drivers are subject to DOT regulations, which demand a zero tolerance drug policy.

Court decisions, such as Noffsinger v. SSC Niantic Operating Co., LLC, d/b/a Bride Brook Nursing & Rehab. Ctr. will continue to make the news, but no employer has even been accused of discrimination when the decision was made for the safety of their employees and their customers.

Discover better on-site drug and alcohol testing, 24/7
Discover better on-site drug and alcohol testing, 24/7 ~ SCHEDULE A TEST
Recent Articles
The Truth About THC Testing
As cannabis laws evolve across the U.S., many employers are left wondering where THC testing fits into their workplace safety programs. Should you...
Read More
Keeping Temporary Workers Safe: The Need for Pre-Employment Testing
Temporary workers are essential to many industries; from construction and manufacturing to warehousing and logistics. They help companies stay agile,...
Read More
Construction Safety: Why PPE Alone Isn’t Enough
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often seen as the frontline defense in construction safety—and for good reason. Hard hats, gloves, goggles,...
Read More